Parents to fight on for Charlie
THE parents of a desperately sick baby are “devastated” after a judge yesterday decided that doctors should withdraw their son’s life-support.
There was a scream of “No” in court as the decision about eight-month-old Charlie Gard was announced.
Parents Chris and Connie said they were heartbroken the judge had not “at least given Charlie the chance of treatment”.
The London couple are set to launch an appeal against the decision.
Charlie has a rare genetic condition and brain damage.
Doctors at Great Ormond Street Hospital say he should move to a palliative care regime.
His parents wanted to take him to the US for a treatment trial. They ran a campaign to raise £2.1million to pay for it.
Mr Justice Francis told the High Court in London he had reached his decision with the “heaviest of hearts” but with “complete conviction” for Charlie’s best interests.
The judge said he had decided the baby should be allowed to die with dignity.
He praised Charlie’s parents for their campaign and paid tribute to their devotion.
The judge, who visited Charlie in hospital said: “I rule that Great Ormond Street may lawfully withdraw all treatment save for palliative care to permit Charlie to die with dignity.
“I want to thank the team of experts and carers at Great Ormond Street for the extraordinary care that they have provided to this family.
“Most importantly of all, I want to thank Charlie’s parents for their brave and dignified campaign on his behalf, but more than anything to pay tribute to their absolute dedication to their wonderful boy from the day that he was born.” Ministers are being urged to cut the amount of booze Scots drink by at least 10 per cent. Alcohol Focus Scotland say it would “improve the lives of millions”. MEL B and her estranged husband Stephen Belafonte could be investigated by social workers over fears for her children’s safety.
Concerns have been raised for Spice Girls singer Mel’s three daughters after she claimed she was beaten and sexually exploited by Stephen during their 10-year marriage.
Authorities have the power to take the children into care if they are deemed to be in danger.
Last week a judge issued a restraining order against movie producer Stephen after Mel detailed the alleged abuse.
In court documents as part of their divorce battle, Mel said: “I am in fear for my safety and that of my children.
“Likewise [Stephen’s] emotional and physical abuse of [Mel] in the presence of the minor child is tantamount to abuse of the minor child.”
A source said: “Mel dotes on her kids, but has genuine concerns for them such was Stephen’s behaviour. She is a great mum and is putting them first.”
Mel has also claimed she often saw Stephen brandishing a gun at their home in Los Angeles. He is banned from owning weapons after a previous conviction for domestic violence.
Agents from the Los Angeles County Department of Children and Family Services can interview Mel, her husband and the kids about the allegations.
Social workers would consider whether Stephen poses a threat to his daughter Madison, five, and stepchildren Angel, 10, and Phoenix, 18.
The DCFS said it does not comment on individual cases.
The restraining order issued in Los Angeles also bans Stephen, who denies any wrongdoing, from contact with the girls. He is said to want visitation rights to Madison and Angel.
Mel has asked the court to grant her sole custody of the children.
Two weeks ago police raided the marital home of the couple, both 41, after concerns about the family’s safety and accusations Stephen had guns.
10% booze cut plan